On Friday 7 July, in South Australia on Gaurna country, revered and iconic Yolngu rock band Yothu Yindi took the stage at Hindley Street Music Hall as part of Illuminate Adelaide to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

This revitalised supergroup from far North East Arnhem Land included original band members and new talent from the next generation. They continue to honour the music and movement of their founders from 1986, and embody the spirit of intergenerational kinship represented by their band name (Yolnu Matha for 'child and mother').

Yothu Yindi, a band that served as proving ground for some of Australia's most celebrated artists from Gurrumul to King Stingray, made 1990s Australia sit up and listen.

Image: Rosaria Daniel

In this special NAIDOC week celebration, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductees reinvigorated classic songs, including their timeless anthem 'Treaty' and the inspiring 'Tribal Voice'.

The concert was a unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy and experience their powerful message firsthand. The highly celebrated, ARIA nominated, and award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter, Emma Donovan performed alongside Yothu Yindi for the one-night-only concert.

Donovan has been touring the nation for over 20 years, sharing powerful stories and performing soulful songs to audiences around the globe.

Image: Rosaria Daniel

She first appeared on stage with her renowned family band, The Donovans, performing church song renditions with her mother Agnes, her five uncles, and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen.

Emma Donovan is currently best known for her work with the greatly admired Melbourne rhythm combo, The Putbacks, and the extraordinary Black Arm Band project. She has toured and recorded with the best of the Australian music scene, including Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Yothu Yindi, Pail Grabowksy, Jen Cloher, Spinifex Gum, and the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter.